Prostate cancer can be a very scary diagnosis and can evoke fear of losing masculinity. After the diagnosis usually men (and their partners) are focused on surviving the cancer and choosing the best treatment option. But soon after the surgery (prostatectomy) they might notice changes in their body and sexual functioning. We would like to prepare you for some of these changes and inform you about the options for treatment.
Sexual side effects
After a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) you can lose the ability to ejaculate which can affect you orgasm experience. Some men encounter a loss of libido. Over 50% of men report erectile dysfunction. This effect can subside after 1-2 years but it takes time and practice to regain full erectile functioning. There are quite a few medical options available to support your erectile function such as PDE-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis), injection therapy or vacuum erectile devices. Training the pelvic floor muscles will contribute positively to erectile functioning as well. But for a healthy sexual interaction the most important organ to be on board is the brain.
Relational side effects
Receiving a cancer diagnosis and treatment is a very stressful and anxiety provoking experience. On top of coping with this process you and your partner are challenged to deal with the sexual side effects. Losing the ability to experience erections and ejaculation as you did in the past can trigger feelings of sadness, anger or grief. The way you cope with these strong emotions can be different to the way your partner copes with these feelings. Relationship difficulties after survival of such an impacting diagnosis are not uncommon.
Sex therapy
At Sex Therapy & Psychology Adelaide we are offering advice and therapy to individuals and couples who are experiencing psychological and/or sexual difficulties. In our sessions we tailor our approach to your needs. We will focus on improving your psychological and sexual health and work towards a happy and satisfying life and relationship. Sexual intimacy is not purely dependent on erection or performance. There are other ways to experience a pleasurable sexual intimacy through non-penetrative sex which we can discuss in our therapy process. Rekindling your sexual relationship is important and possible. We will provide you and your partner tools to improve your communication about sex and intimacy, your desires, your sexual feelings. The more you and your partner can be open towards each other about this topic, the more the two of you can work together to overcome problems. Focussing on your sexual options instead of the disabilities can help to rekindle the sexual intimacy and rebuild a strong intimate relationship.
Together with your doctors and nurses we would like to help you in this challenging time.
Rebates for our sessions are available through Medicare or Private Health Funds. Please call us to discuss the options or visit our website.
When you and your partner would like to discuss the options to improve or rebuild your sexual relationship after prostate cancer, contact us today to book your first session with us.
After a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) you can lose the ability to ejaculate which can affect you orgasm experience. Some men encounter a loss of libido. Over 50% of men report erectile dysfunction. This effect can subside after 1-2 years but it takes time and practice to regain full erectile functioning. There are quite a few medical options available to support your erectile function such as PDE-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis), injection therapy or vacuum erectile devices. Training the pelvic floor muscles will contribute positively to erectile functioning as well. But for a healthy sexual interaction the most important organ to be on board is the brain.
Relational side effects
Receiving a cancer diagnosis and treatment is a very stressful and anxiety provoking experience. On top of coping with this process you and your partner are challenged to deal with the sexual side effects. Losing the ability to experience erections and ejaculation as you did in the past can trigger feelings of sadness, anger or grief. The way you cope with these strong emotions can be different to the way your partner copes with these feelings. Relationship difficulties after survival of such an impacting diagnosis are not uncommon.
Sex therapy
At Sex Therapy & Psychology Adelaide we are offering advice and therapy to individuals and couples who are experiencing psychological and/or sexual difficulties. In our sessions we tailor our approach to your needs. We will focus on improving your psychological and sexual health and work towards a happy and satisfying life and relationship. Sexual intimacy is not purely dependent on erection or performance. There are other ways to experience a pleasurable sexual intimacy through non-penetrative sex which we can discuss in our therapy process. Rekindling your sexual relationship is important and possible. We will provide you and your partner tools to improve your communication about sex and intimacy, your desires, your sexual feelings. The more you and your partner can be open towards each other about this topic, the more the two of you can work together to overcome problems. Focussing on your sexual options instead of the disabilities can help to rekindle the sexual intimacy and rebuild a strong intimate relationship.
Together with your doctors and nurses we would like to help you in this challenging time.
Rebates for our sessions are available through Medicare or Private Health Funds. Please call us to discuss the options or visit our website.
When you and your partner would like to discuss the options to improve or rebuild your sexual relationship after prostate cancer, contact us today to book your first session with us.
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